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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Farewell...

Well, it's coming a little out of the blue, but this is my last post as a member of the Art Bead Scene team. I made the decision quite suddenly, on Saturday morning, when in a tizz about the lack of hours in the day. I've loved being a team member and interacting with you readers, and working with the other team members, but I've come to feel like I really need to re-focus my efforts to make the most of my days. I have so many plates spinning at the moment, and, at times, it feels like I've not really got my eye on them all as much as I might. Writing blog posts always takes that bit longer than you imagine. Even doing Etsy Picks posts - well, you just wouldn't believe the hours that can be consumed by looking at art beads on Etsy... oh, wait, hold on... perhaps you would?

So, I thought I'd leave you with a bit of a short, impromptu Inside The Studio post, to share some of the things that have been making demands on my time. Especially as that means that there'll be one last giveaway. First, of course, there have been new beads.

They've pretty much all sold out but there's a handful left in the shop, if you fancy a peek. I really feel I should be spending time cracking on with making more. That's now on the schedule this week. However, in the last couple of weeks. I've primarily been focused on the metalwork that I wrote about in my last Inside the Studio post. I've been happily settling into my new workspace, filling it with tools and pleasing things - the utilitarian things; the lovely, visual things. It's the closest I've ever got to a dedicated studio. (Well, my living room is as much studio as it is living room.) So, it's still kinda exciting - and I rather love its diminutive proportions.

(Apologies for the blur - it's hard to photograph this space through the aperture of its mini door.)

I really must thank all of you who expressed concerns about the lack of ventilation. (I even had one lovely reader message me. You know who you are - thanks again!) Of course, you were all right and I was... optimistic? After a few short bursts of soldering in there, even my raddled lungs were questioning the wisdom of it. Fortunately, I located another area of my flat that is also sorely underused and all set up for tolerating heat!

I know - I just boss health and safety! I must be making some progress because I've been happily soldering away in my pyjamas, which is not something I'd ever imagined. (NB. Never solder in your night clothes.) I had hoped to include some images of finished pieces with you. One thing I'm still getting my head round is the amount of time that metalwork takes (for instance, the filing, the endless, endless filing.... ) - especially when you're still learning. I just have to keep telling myself that there are things that were boggling a few weeks ago, that I'm now doing with some ease. I have a stack of things in the works, including a number of bezelled rings which now need setting. I had my first go at setting in my class last night. Like a fool, I'd imagined it would be a relatively quick job. Will I never learn? For the first time ever, I'm wishing I had muscles in my arms. Why can't I order them from Cookson's like everything else? So, rather than show you pictures of half finished rings and other empty bezel pieces, and 'prototypes' of things that didn't quite work this time round, I'll share a few pics of my 'regular' beaded jewellery.

That graphic sure has earned its keep! There's no question this time; just leave a comment saying something and I'll pick a winner in a week's time and get in touch with whoever that is.

When deciding what to put in this last post, I wanted to include the rest of the team somehow. I thought about sharing images of everyone's work but I feel I've done a number of posts sharing images of beads lately - plus Julie did such an elegant job, when she signed off last month. So, I hope you'll think that it's fair that - just this once - the members of the team can also be entered in the giveaway, if they comment?

On which note, I must say a big thank you to everyone on the team, both present and past contributors. Thank you for having me! I'm hoping I might be back to write the odd guest post. And finally, a big thank you to all you readers, for commenting and sharing your enthusiasm and expertise, and your love of art beads. And, thank you even if you don't comment - it's just great that you show up and read! So, yes, in general: Thanks!

It's sad to see you go and I'll really miss reading your posts, and especially your wonderful curations for the challenge each month, but sometimes it's just time to move on and focus on new things. I am so looking forward to seeing where your metalworking is going to take you!

Although your posts have been an inspiration, I completely understand how difficult it is, making choices about how we spend our time as creative beings. I awoke this morning feeling so very frustrated that I just can't do everything I want to do! Ah well, here's to your success and satisfaction with your chosen path! May your creative muse shine on!!!

I was just discussing my lack of time with a friend last night. I work a "regular" 45 hour a week job, and well, something has to give. I will miss your posts but at the same time, will enjoy seeing all the fruits of your new focus. Cheers to you! - Loralee

Thank you for all the wonderful blog posts you have shared. I have found that creating more time for myself, has actually increased my creativity. I wish that for you too. Take care and I'll be looking forward to seeing your designs on FB and in your shop. <3

Seems as though we all understand all too well the impact of not-enough-hours-in-the-day. We will ALL miss you, Miss Claire, and want you to know that we would love to have you as a guest post now and again, especially when you have some fab new bezels and rings and beads to share with our readers! So leave the door open a crack....so you can sneak back in! Enjoy the day. Much love to you xox Erin

I will always be a huge fan of your work, both beads and jewelry. I certainly understand the value of time. It dribbles by very quickly and each of our responsibilities nibble away the leavings. When working on something new, we need enough to pour it out, so we must collect all the dribbles and nibbles to accomplish the goal. I know that I will still see you on Etsy and on Facebook and it will be so thrilling to see what you've poured from your vessel of time. On to new things! Best Regards!

To find the right moment also to stop is really important. There is only a limited amount of energy to all of us and if we keep depleting it over and over again with no time to breath, it may cost too much in the end.

Hi, I'll miss your lovely posts and photos, they've been great inspiration for a beginner, like myself.I wish you good luck with any new plans, and I'll be following you on Etsy and Facebook, as always :-)I hope you drop in here for a few guest posts every now and then.Best,Despina Veneti veneti.despina@gmail.com

I always enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your beautiful creations---both beads and completed works of art. Will miss reading your thoughts and seeing what you have made---I'll look forward to the occasional blog and happy creating!

I totally understand why you are stepping back Claire but I do hope we'll still see you around or maybe make a guest appearance in the future. You are greatly admired and loved. Your beads and jewelry are amazing and an inspiration to all other artists. I will miss seeing your posts! Wishing you all the best and MORE TIME to do the things you love most! - Cindy

I completely understand why you're taking a break, Claire, and I sure hope to see you at least as a guest here in the future. Best of luck with your plans :) Your work is beautiful and your post were always interesting, I'll miss them. Alicia